The Vigil

Sitting by the bedside of a dying loved one keeping awake and alert is a vigil. The vigil can provide comfort and meaning, resolution and peace to both the dying person and their loved ones. It is by being present in the moment and bearing witness to the death and one’s own grief that can enhance the dying process.

With this in mind, the best thing that we can bring to the bedside of a dying person is our own quiet, peaceful mind. There is a heightened sensitivity to the subtle energies in the room. This is why hospices encourage anything calming, such as music, meditation, aromatherapy and massage.

Be present with the dying person and let them be your guide. Hold hands, look in their eyes, feel the emotions that come up. If they wish to reminisce or share their wisdom listen and participate in their life review. Write down your thoughts and feelings. Be willing to reconcile past hurts and say goodbye.

Your vigil over a loved one’s dying process can sometimes seem lonely, especially in the wee hours of the morning when you may be tired and alone. It is natural to feel many emotions during this time. Often you may feel abandoned by God or feel angry that God has not healed and restored your loved one to health. Doubts may arise about your ability to continue to vigil with your loved one until they die. These feelings are normal.

Be gentle with yourself. Care-giving is hard work. Organize family and friends to take turns sitting with your love one. Take care of yourself by planning frequent breaks, eating regular meals and getting plenty of sleep. Accept help, because it is simply too stressful to do this alone.

Remember that this sacred time can be deeply meaningful possibly including an intense connection to a loving spiritual presence. A vigil provided with caring hearts provides great comfort to a dying person as they prepare to leave.


Contact Us

info@SOFriendsOfHospice.org

Southern Oregon
Friends of Hospice
P.O. Box 1182
Ashland, Oregon 97520

Phone: 541-488-7805

Hospice Unique Boutique (HUB) website

HUB Calendar of Events [PDF]

Watch Hospice Videos

Thank You for Donating

Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice raises funds to supplement regional end-of-life care programs.

Donate online:

Click the button below to donate to SOFOH through the secure server at PayPal.

Donate by mail:

Fill out and print a Donation Form (pdf) and mail it with your check.

Southern Oregon Friends of Hospice gifts include:

  • Providing educational material to patients and families, as well as emergency assistance for heating, electricity and transportation costs.
  • Funding a day trip as respite care for overwhelmed family members of a dying patient.
  • Supplying respite caregivers for a family exhausted from 24-hour care-giving.
  • Reimbursing harpists providing music therapy, and massage therapists providing therapeutic touch for hospice patients.
  • Offering bereavement support groups and training for volunteer grief counselors.